Tigers sorry for poor example

PREMIERSHIP Tigers Nick Vlastuin and Jayden Short have apologised to teammate Mabior Chol for repeatedly grabbing at his genitals and backside during post-game celebrations.

The pair were captured by change room cameras poking fingers at Chol’s anus area and also reaching for his groin during the traditional post-match singing of the Richmond theme song.

Chol continually knocks their hands away and then uses his own hands to shield himself.

Richmond has declared the actions “unacceptable”.

“It was a stupid action and I am deeply embarrassed,” Vlastuin said.

“I’ve apologised to Mabior.” Short said that the act was “unacceptable behavior and a poor example”.

Chol, 23, said he had taken no offence in the incidents, but admitted that a better example had to be set.

“I have no issue whatsoever with those players, or any of my teammates,” Chol said.

“But understand that is not the sort of example we should be setting.”

Richmond said that “the entire playing group have made clear this behavior will cease”.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick cut his weekly press conference short on Friday after a TV reporter asked him if he were aware of the clips showing Short and Vlastuin’s behaviour.

Veteran reporter Hugh Riminton said that he had spoken with two criminal lawyers, who had expressed that there had “clearly been a sexual assault taking place” and that it was “a breach of the criminal law at state and commonwealth level ... of the AFL code of conduct, the player’s code of conduct, of the member’s protection policy statement”.

Hardwick replied: “No, mate (I’m not aware). I appreciate your time but let’s talk about the game. Thank you.”

The video clips of Richmond players singing the theme songs after this week’s win over Brisbane and the previous clash with the Western Bulldogs were on the club’s website, but have since been taken down.